China reveals its plans to block Starlink in its territory with a drone network

A recent report revealed that a team from the Beijing Institute of Technology conducted a simulation aimed at assessing the possibility of completely blocking Starlink communications over Taiwan.

The experiment proposes the use of between 1,000 and 2,000 drones or stratospheric balloons, equipped with electronic jamming systems, to form an "electromagnetic shield" capable of disrupting the connection between SpaceX's satellite constellation and users on the ground.

According to the research, the devices would need to fly at an altitude of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) and be positioned a few kilometers apart, generating a continuous jamming field sufficient to cover the entire island.

The study indicates that, under ideal conditions, 935 high-power jamming nodes would be sufficient to achieve total blocking. However, if cheaper and less powerful drones were used, the number would rise to about two thousand units.

Although the mathematical model suggests that the plan is technically feasible, the researchers themselves warn that its implementation would require enormous logistics, precise air control, and significant military resources.

They also emphasize that the deployment would only be viable if Taiwan lacked operational air defenses, which would force China to first neutralize Taiwan's radar and missile systems in a large-scale military operation.

The study is part of a broader set of Chinese proposals to counter Starlink's global influence, whose satellites already account for two-thirds of the assets in low Earth orbit.

Other measures analyzed include the use of high-energy lasers, even from submarines, the design of satellites capable of jamming or capturing Starlink vehicles, and even industrial sabotage strategies to cut off the supply of key components. Some documents also consider diplomatic alternatives to limit the expansion of commercial satellite networks.

Nevertheless, the "electromagnetic shield" project has sparked criticism and skepticism. Analysts point out that China is betting on extreme, high-cost technological solutions of questionable practical value, while underestimating Starlink's ability to withstand interference.

Analysts also warn that any attempt to block a satellite infrastructure could be interpreted as a military escalation, with risks of provoking a strong international response.

The operation is also seen as contradictory to China's narrative of respect for sovereignty and regional stability. Experts emphasize that deliberately interfering with the civilian and military communications of an entire population would constitute a violation of international norms and a highly destabilizing act.

The rapid growth of Starlink concerns Beijing because of its impact on the technological and military balance, especially after its effective use in conflicts such as Ukraine. However, China's strategy, focused on technological coercion measures instead of diplomatic or competitive alternatives, has raised new doubts about the militarized orientation of its space policy.